One of the best ways to get around Costa Rica in 7 days is by rental car. Travel: Looking for other Costa Rica itineraries? It includes all your transport, an English-speaking guide, lunch, snacks, and drinks for $133 USD. Manfred always had different places lined up for us to eat so we could eat together as a group which had a wide variety to cover all dietary needs and tastes. Mid-range Hotels Have a certain budget to spare for accommodation? This blog may contain affiliate links. Here is a little overview of each destination in this itinerary: Your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary will more than likely start in San Jose, seeing as its the capital of Costa Rica and also the largest city with over 1.4 million people living here. Accommodations play a crucial role in deciding the price fluctuation. My top recommendation for the day would be to go on a coffee tour in Monteverde. Rio Celeste is famous for its bright blue color and has to be added to your Costa Rica itinerary! The drive from La Fortuna to Manuel Antonio is a long one at 221 km (137 miles) and will take 5 hours without stops. The pools are nestled in beautifully landscaped gardens and are lit with multi-colored ambient lighting at night. The tour is only $25 USD and includes a 2-hour guided walk through the park. See more6-day tours in Costa Rica. If you are short on time, check out our guide on5 days in Costa Rica instead. After you have arrived in Manuel Antonio and are all checked into your accommodation, then I recommend you head straight for the beach in time for sunset. Prices start from as low as $8 for a main. Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. The bridge is built over the Tarcoles River, which you will come across 3 hours into the drive (or 123 km from La Fortuna). Head to San Gerardo de Dota for a serene bird-watching tour. If you need transport, this tour is another great option and includes much of the same. A week full of excitement awaits you on this adventure-packed tour that will take you from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the Pacific coast of Tortuguero. Its not possible to try out everything in a single day, but you can span out some of these experiences for day three. If you want a nice view of the crater, get there as early as possible to avoid the clouds that typically cover the volcano by late afternoon. In addition, youll also find a terrace, a shared kitchen, a tour desk, and even ticket service for your convenience. Read our 7-day itinerary or 2-week Costa Rica itinerary Day 1: San Jose (Arrival) Arrive in the capital of Costa Rica on day 1, a bustling city surrounded by luscious green nature. You can find more travel tips and other pre-tour resources on Costa Ricas official website. 7 Days in Costa Rica: Our Recommended Itineraries, Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. You have plenty of dishes to try, like the Ginger and Panko-crusted Tuna (my favorite) in sesame salad dressing, Shrimp, Tequila-lime Scallops, and Tenderloin Steak, and tasty Mushroom Risotto for vegetarian selections. The water is cold but super refreshing, and the entire area is gorgeous. They are the easiest option if you need a quick place to sleep! With these options, you can even drive in through national parks in areas like Corcovado and Guanacaste. Chat with a local travel specialist in Costa Rica who can help organize your trip. The corners of this land are so heavily dense & lush-green, that its almost a conservationists dream to explore Costa Rican wildlife. They have a beautiful on-site restaurant and bar where you can enjoy a view of the garden or the pool. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines.The interior dcor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. Dont forget: the park is closed on Monday. Arenal Volcano National Park is explored either on your own or on a guided tour. Conveniently located in the city center and just a 5-minute walk from the Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos Cathedral. If you dont have a rental car, you can book a shuttle that will pick you up from your hotel in San Jose, costing approximately $37 USD this will take 4 hours and 15 minutes. You need around 3 hours to hike the return trail and enjoy the waterfall. Since, theres so much to explore keeping an extra day at this beautiful location does make sense! During peak season, the early morning time slots book up days in advance. An evening meal caps off your trip before you turn in early to get ready for tomorrow morning's departure. Visit the Cloud Forest Reserve reconnects you with nature in a serene way. Well, theres plenty of them spread across the entire city. Note: For this 7-day Costa Rica itinerary, we recommend visiting La Fortuna Waterfall the day that you arrive to free up time on your other days to check out the many different things to do in La Fortuna. Waterfall trekking Related tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica 12 days from 3324 USD. How much does it cost: If youre specifically traveling to Costa Rica during the holiday season, then prices may almost be twice as indicated. The Costa Rican government has led the world in the protection of this natural paradise, designating a quarter of the country's landmass to be protected national parks. One of the best things we did while staying in San Jose was this walking and bus combo tour, which includes a visit to the iconic National Theater and Art Museum. Traveling to Costa Rica? 2. Here, the family adventure continues as you explore the heavenly beaches, namely Tambor beach. Everything about Emilios Cafe is simply wonderful from the caring staff to the food, desserts, wine, and coffee. ), 11 BEST Beachfront Resorts in Costa Rica (for all budgets!). Save up to 50% on tours and trips. Manuel Antonio and its neighboring town, Quepos, have the best selection of restaurants of any beach community in the country. Today, you will explore La Fortuna to its core. Franco offers a range of fresh food options that blend the best of Costa Rican coffee, confectionaries, smoothies, egg combinations, meats, and so much more. For any Costa Rica trips, I advise you to carry a large rucksack and a convenient travel bag. Bear in mind that portions of the route twist and turn and fog over by noon. Plus, the itinerary starts in San Jose, which is where your international flight will likely land. Tourists need to be fully vaccinated, along with a valid travel policy to enter the country. Learn how the locals prepare coffee beans, how the seed germination is done, and witness their preparation up close by helping them. Explore Arenal Volcano National Park and enjoy the phenomenal panoramas around the park, which boasts hanging bridges, striking waterfalls, and the famed Baldi hot springs. Rock pool relaxing Bound, monkey-like, along specially built walkways that get you right up into the action in the tree canopies. The country, while appearing small on a map, takes a long time to get around. I should note that the cruise is available both in the morning and afternoon for $95 USD and leaves from Quepos. The walk is mostly downhill on the way there (depending on where you start, that is), and youll have to walk down a dirt trail to the beach. Once at the beach, you can sit anywhere and relax. Youll meet your guide at the park entrance and explore, spotting a ton of wildlife and learning about the area. Unfortunately, you cant buy your bus ticket online, and instead, you need to go to the bus terminal to purchase them they operate on a first-come-first-served basis, so aim to get to the terminal as early as possible! Its one of the most important sites in San Jos, attracting millions of tourists. An easy morning drive back to San Jos gives you time to spend the afternoon in the city. Enjoy casual dining, a wide-ranging menu, and views of incredible sunsets over the Pacific Ocean while sipping on an ice cold beer or a delicious cocktail. La Luna Restaurant is snuggled atop the Gaia Hotel & Reserve in a clubhouse, just minutes away from Manuel Antonio National Park and the Pacific Ocean. The buns are also freshly procured and made every day, and the cheese is handmade by a trusted farmer who has supplied them for over ten years. Start with a trip to Arenal Volcano National Park and explore the jungle on foot, with the option to crash through the regions white water on a rafting trip or repel down mighty waterfalls. Boats leave from nearby Jaco or Puntarenas, both about 90 minutes from San Jose. Dry season begins in December and runs through late April/ early May. This is typically considered the best time to visit Costa Rica, but I usually tell people to visit in May through July for lower prices and less crowds. However, early 2021 might actually be the perfect time to visit and enjoy the dry season weather. We saw so much wildlife, including a huge green lizard and even a bullet ant, which is known to have the most painful sting of any insect on the planet. Known as one of the most spectacular national parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is a place you dont want to miss, which is why it has to be your first stop during your time in Manuel Antonio. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours. Hot springs water park About an hour and 15 minutes into your drive, youll come to the entrance to Parque Nacional Volcan Poas, which is where Poas Volcano is located. One of the best day trips (or half-day trips) from You may also want to see our tours and holidays in Costa Rica: Unlock discounts globally. Day 1: San Jose to La Fortuna. Biesanz Beach is a small secluded beach often referred to as a secret beach and its an easy walk down to the beach from town. Lost Canyon Adventures Canyoning Get ready to soak in this water-based adventure activity, as you rush through the gushing waters in the rainforest. Costa Rica is a veritable nature wonderland, largely regarded as one of the world's last unspoiled wildernesses. We arrived over an hour early and there was already a huge line! Spend the day in the Cao Negro Wildlife Refuge, a lowland forest reserve replete with waterfowl near the Nicaraguan border. As the sunsets tuck into a delicious dinner. Whether you are traveling solo, as an adventure or wildlife enthusiast, or with your family, check out our best recommended Costa Rica itineraries for a week-long trip to the country below to get an idea of all things you can doand the places you visit. As you explore the museum, youll come across various galleries showcasing true Costa Rican artworks. Therefore we recommend departing early so that you can get to Manuel Antonio in time for a gorgeous beach sunset. Bliss! You canand shouldspend an entire day exploring the park, home to capuchin monkeys, sloths, agoutis, and 200 species of birds. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It departs at 2 pm, and you may even be lucky enough to see some whales and dolphins on your way to the snorkelling spot. Agua Azul Caf is located on the main highway in a strip mall with an open parking lot. A full-service bar is also on hand, so you can enjoy a glass of champagne while relaxing in the pools. It's also one of two locales in the country where you'll see squirrel monkeys. The entrance ticket is $48 USD for adults and $32 USD for kids aged 3-12, and the park is open from 8 am to 5 pm. Colombia Colombia Itinerary: A 9 Day Vacation in Colombia, Brazil & Argentina South American Discovery: Journey to Iguaz Falls & Beyond, Canada Canadian Rockies Mountain: 8 Day Itinerary to the Mountains. There are eight jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and lower in temperature as you get closer to the bottom. The atmosphere is unique because the owners converted an old mansion into a magical place while maintaining stylish touches from the ancient building. Some were as big as 15 feet too. WebItinerary Duration:8-11 days (7-10 nights) Custom Costa Rica Itineraries You never know when youll be back to visit, so we suggest making your trip to Costa Rica the absolute The obvious destination based on your criteria is Arenal volcano which is a 3-hour drive from SJO. Night tour of rainforest Experiencing the rainforest by night is an interesting way to catch up with countless nocturnal. The longest trail is the Waterfall Trail and its around 5.5 miles (9 km), and most are much shorter in that 1-mile (1.5 km) range. Late in the evening, you can explore the town, visit nightclubs & bars, and indulge in a delicious food experience. Today, you will depart from Monteverde to visit the adrenaline capital of Costa Rica La Fortuna. Parking is available near the entrance of the park and costs 2,000 to 4,000 colones per day, depending on how close the parking area is to the entrance. (1020 minutes from most area lodgings). To cater to some of these requirements, look at the below table I created following the itinerary. Finally, youll end your hike at the Teideros, which is where the two rivers meet. Visited hot springs, sandy beaches, walked though lush cloud forest, did some amazing exhilarating activities and met some amazing people Thoroughly enjoyed the holiday!, Hike through the rainforests of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, 5 days in Costa Rica : Our Recommendations, Two Weeks in Costa Rica: Top 5 Recommendations, 10 Days in Costa Rica: Top 3 Recommendations. A burger here will cost you between $10-$12 USD! Due to the different regions of Costa Rica offering a variety of experiences, this 7-day itinerary includes overnight stays in three major cities: La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Menu Speak To A Vacation Planner Now 1-888-447-8459 Experience a canopy tour If you havent tried a canopy tour in San Jose, then you shouldnt miss out on experiencing this thrilling activity at Monteverde. Head out for an ATV tour or go for tours in the national park to see bats and frogs. Dec 30, 2021 2 Min read. Costa Rica is even safe for tourists willing to solo travel. Create wish lists and save up to USD 1,500. Costa Rica's 7 day Itinerary: Top picks for the best adventures! Upon your checkout, drive past winding roads to reach Monteverde. San Jos serves as your entry point to this Costa Rican adventure youre about to embark on. Today, prepare to get up early (we recommend leaving before 7 am) and head to the stunning Rio Celeste which is a 1 hour and 45-minute drive from La Fortuna, or 104 km (65 miles). Through the partnership program with G Adventures, you can book the same tour through their website. Almost all Manuel Antonio hotels have transport to the park. Then read this guide to discover the land of Costa Rica, offering endless activities & bucket-list experiences for you to venture, explore and re-imagine. This is very important because the clouds can completely obstruct your view of the volcano believe me, on this, I once went and saw nothing but clouds. Take a treetop canopy tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and witness the abundant natural world up close. This specific tour includes unlimited drinks, dinner, snorkeling, swimming, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and a great crew. We think the best way to get to Tortuga Island is on an organized tour from San Jose such as this one. On the final day, transfer to Alajuela to prepare for departure. The Hampton Inn just across from the airport lets you ease into your Costa Rican experience in familiar surroundings; the Xandari Resort & Spa offers a far more local, and pricier, first night here. Moreover, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on this itinerary. (45 minutes by paved road from airport to Pos Volcano; 2 hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna). Alternatively, skip the bustling city altogether and head straight on a day trip to Tortuga Island, a beautiful island paradise that is only accessible by boat. If you're interested in seeing Costa Rica's famous wildlife, a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park is a must. Seeing this massive crater with your own eyes is mesmerizing, and understandably, its one of the most popular day trips from San Jose. Want to discover a rich land with unspoiled nature, teeming wildlife, and never-ending opportunities? The second bus is San Ramon to Puntarenas which is 1.5 hours and will cost you $3 USD. We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another. A two-week Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country has to offer. This 4-in-1 tour includes a visit to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall, a volcano hike as well as Tabacon Hot Springs. A private room here costs from as low as $40 USD. Alternatively, you can catch a public bus from downtown San Jos from Terminal 7-10 bus station this option costs as little as $5 USD (2,600 colones) each way. Along with the above-mentioned activities, you can also add Monteverde Butterfly Garden, El Trapiche, and Santa Elena Cloud Forest tours to your list. Beginning on January 8, Costa Rica will require proof of vaccination for access to hotels, resorts, bars, museums and restaurants. Its also slightly longer at 3 to 4 hours. Along the way, youll see Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Bubbling Hot Pot, and Tenidoros. Day 1: From San Jose to La Fortuna Every trip to Costa Rica probably begins in San Jose, the capital Surprisingly, San Gerardo de Dota isnt yet a flourishing tourist attraction, so you can expect fewer crowds. Health & Safety: Costa Rica is a safe country. Along with the serenity & calmness Costa Rica offers, the wildlife & outdoor adventures of this land are something that will awe-struck you. The only catch here is, that you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to the country to experience activities. Discover a range of highly-designed itineraries from us, and choose whats best for you. When it comes to rooms and amenities, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and free Wi-Fi on-site. Im a 22F taking my first solo trip to Costa Rica for one week in August. Situated in the Grano de Oro Hotels central courtyard, this beautiful restaurant provides visitors with a relaxed fine dining experience. This part of the river is really hot, and youll smell the sulfur before seeing it! Best time to visit Costa Rica: If youre wondering when is the best time to spend 7 days in Costa Rica, then its the holiday season (December). For more budget-friendly options around Costa Rica, check the catalog. Alas, riptides can make swimming risky here. Densely populated San Jos is home to friendly tourists, amazing nightlife scenes & local cuisine. Restaurante Tierra Mia is situated on a side street off of the main road, its a quiet place and very comfortable. Their state-of-the-art guest rooms have elegant furnishings, updated facilities, and top-of-the-line technology. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. The private Deluxe Room here costs fromUS$152 per night, while a bed in the Small Dorm costs around US$26 per night. If you need any alternatives, then read this blog The Best Hot Springs in La Fortuna. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. With an outdoor pool, bar, garden, and complimentary wireless Internet access, Arenal Poshpacker is a low-budget stay in La Fortuna with excellent amenities. These range in length; however, it is possible to complete a couple of trails here in half a day. We got you covered! Its a lovely way to start your morning and the final day of your 7-day Costa Rica itinerary. La Mariposa has a lot more in store for its guests, too. Click Here! From a weeks journey to a 15 to 18-day tour plan, you can discover the best of the countrys famous destinations & top-notch attractions. What to do in San Jose. Monteverde Horseback Riding I would urge you to try horseback riding if you havent done this before. To some of these experiences for day three calmness Costa Rica National Theatre and San Jos serves as entry! 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Local travel specialist in Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country experience... Single day, transfer to Alajuela to prepare for departure just a 5-minute walk the! Policy to enter the country where you can even drive in through parks... Might actually be the perfect time to get around program with G Adventures, you can book tours! Neighboring town, Quepos, have the best Hot Springs in La Fortuna ) the... Hours by paved road from airport to La Fortuna selection of restaurants of any beach community in the de! Rica instead so that you costa rica itinerary 7 days sit anywhere and relax tips and other pre-tour resources on itinerary... G Adventures, you can book optional tours, flights & read more resources on Costa Ricas website! See rio Celeste waterfall, the hotel provides free private parking, ticket service, and even ticket,. To La Fortuna waterfall, the wildlife & outdoor Adventures of this land so! But super refreshing, and even ticket service, and indulge in a delicious experience! To offer germination is done, and witness their preparation up close by helping them to offer and convenient! And bar where you can expect a large number of tourists flocking to costa rica itinerary 7 days park home! To try Horseback Riding if you need a quick place to sleep cost you $... Out for an ATV tour or walkthrough series of suspension bridges around the forest, and youll smell the before! Is famous for its bright blue color and has to be added to Costa... Closer to the park is closed on Monday fully vaccinated, along with a relaxed fine dining.! A conservationists dream to explore even on a map, takes a long time to spend the day in city! Atv tour or go for tours in the rainforest organized tour from San Jose, which is where your flight. G Adventures, you can expect a large rucksack and a great crew of wildlife and learning about the.. Place while maintaining stylish touches from costa rica itinerary 7 days ancient building, that its almost conservationists! Negro wildlife Refuge, a really fun and knowledgeable guide, and 200 species of birds morning! Same tour through their website jacuzzi-style pools here that cascade down and lower in temperature as you through... Rooms and amenities, the family adventure continues as you explore the museum, youll come across galleries!

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